NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The Endowment is awarding seven grants totaling $15.8 million to expand recreation opportunities, strengthen health and developmental services, and help residents live safely and independently across New Hanover County.
Four grants totaling $13.5 million to improve and expand recreation facilities in the towns of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Early findings from The Endowment’s countywide Recreational Opportunities Assessment, to be completed this fall, are helping inform four recreation investments.
Three grants totaling $2.3 million strengthen preventive care and early intervention across the lifespan: in early childhood, in community health care, and in residents’ homes.
“These grants reflect our commitment to invest across New Hanover County and across generations,” Sophie Dagenais, President and CEO of The Endowment, said in a press release. “Whether it’s a child learning to swim, a family gathering at the beach, a patient getting care close to home, or an older adult staying safely in their own home, we’re helping our partners strengthen the places, services and opportunities people rely on throughout their lives.”
The grant awards include:
YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina: $6.5 million
To support the development of a 50-meter indoor aquatics center at the Nir Family YMCA in NHC to significantly expand the community’s access to aquatic recreation, water safety, wellness, competitive swimming, and community programming.
YWCA Lower Cape Fear: $2 million
To support renovations and infrastructure improvements at the YWCA Aquatics Center, including pool resurfacing, deck restoration, safety and accessibility enhancements, and modernization of community spaces
Town of Carolina Beach: $3.5 million over two years
To support the development of Carolina Beach Coastal Park and Event Stage and create a year-round oceanfront civic space, including a professional performance stage, amphitheater, open lawns, accessible pathways, emergency access, stormwater improvements, and connections to the Boardwalk, beach, and commercial district
Town of Wrightsville Beach: $1.5 million
To support Phase I of the John Nesbitt Loop Expansion project to improve accessibility, functionality, and amenities associated with the trail.
The project will help maintain a walking route during the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s three-year bridge replacement project and support planning and design for a wider, fully accessible Loop.
Child Development Center: $800,000 over two years
To support an early childhood developmental program including a behavioral and mental health initiative providing assessments, individualized interventions, classroom consultations, direct child support, staff coaching, family consultation, data collection, coordination with community providers, and a research-based social-emotional curriculum
MedNorth Health Center: $1,271,095
To support a one-stop shop center to deliver coordinated medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and ancillary services that close care gaps, advance health equity, and strengthen the overall well-being of the population served
Welcome Home Angel — Pathway Promise Capital Campaign: $247,500
To provide down payment assistance for the acquisition of a permanent home for Welcome Home Angel.
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